Bright Star Ranch
Monroe, Louisiana
Bright Star Ranch, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Monroe, Louisiana, founded in 2018 according to its website. It offers therapeutic riding, groundwork-based equine-assisted activities, a mentoring program called Freedom to Flourish and Equicizer classes. It says it serves individuals with special needs and people with social and emotional concerns, including anxiety and depression.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted activities (groundwork)
- Freedom to Flourish mentoring program
- Equicizer classes (individual and group)
- Rising Riders groundwork group (ages 5-8, no riding)
- Group activities and field trips
- People with physical or neurological disabilities
- People with learning disabilities, autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy
- Stroke survivors
- People with anxiety, depression or social and emotional needs
- Seniors with mobility, balance or joint pain concerns
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding is for people with physical and neurological disabilities and requires a doctor's approval or release, according to the website. Equicizer classes use a riding simulator for participants who are nervous around horses or cannot ride for medical reasons. Silver Star Riders uses the Equicizer with groups of five, focusing on balance, gait and chronic pain.
Freedom to Flourish is a life skills mentoring program with an individual plan of care for each participant. In a January 2024 KNOE report, a ranch representative said it was started because kids and adults needed more mental health services, and that people dealing with bullying or low self-confidence can come to unwind. Groundwork lessons cover grooming, feeding, tacking and leading.
The Horses and Staff
The website lists two certified therapeutic riding instructors plus trained volunteers, and calls the ranch a PATH Intl. Member Center and a CHA Member Center. GuideStar lists Debbie Chunn as principal officer. The facility has a covered arena, a 4-stall barn, a wheelchair-accessible ramp and a mounting lift.
Volunteering
The ranch says volunteers need no horse experience and can work flexible schedules, but must complete training before working with clients and horses.
Location
The ranch is at 1416 Rowland Road, Monroe, Louisiana 71203. Its office is open weekdays, 9 am to 6 pm, according to its website.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How are sessions scheduled?
Sessions run by season. The calendar lists fall 2026 (August 31 to November 6), winter 2027 (January 4 to February 12) and spring 2027 (March 1 to May 6) sessions, each with a registration deadline.
How much does it cost?
Call (318) 667-8271 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs covers typical pricing.
Can a school or club visit?
Yes. The ranch offers field trips for schools, scouts, 4-H, clubs and corporate teams, booked at least one month in advance.
Location
Monroe, Louisiana 71203
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.